Tufinuph (Tough-enough)
History
Initially created shortly after the formation of the Ferric Leagues, approximately in 45 LS, Tufinuph started as a team-building exercise for mining teams before and after a shift in the Iron Mines. Using wooden paddles the miner's would attempt to launch small sacks into the opposing team's goals, to get more points or to bring on more team members. This action would simulate swinging a pick, though in a different and less stressful setting, meant to improve team coordination and to highlight the various skills the team would require in order to be successful.
By 52 LS many of these games would be watched by other locals, as the competitive nature of the teams led to intriguing games, especially when non-flat terrain was used. An entrepreneur known as Kriamas would become aware of the game when visiting the Frontier, though kept hearing from aristocrats that it was a game by and for the miners, though he wanted to know more. Upon watching his first game in person, Kriamas became infatuated with the sport, and began to organize something more akin to a professional sport. He approached each town and presented his plan, to turn Tufinuph into a highly profitable sport, with actual rules, proper equipment and stadiums. While most would turn him down, a handful would agree to this, and the first Tufinuph Championship began to gather momentum.
In late 53 LS, in the town of Linnocrin, the first bracket of the Championship would be played, to a moderate turnout. As the games traveled across the Frontier, however, each subsequent game would play host to more and more individuals as word spread, until the Finals at Gentani, played on a simple dirt field, played in front of an audience in the tens of thousands. People had come from all across the Frontier to watch the end of the Championships in person, causing great strain on the supply lines to Gentani. What mattered to Kriamas, however, was that his efforts had paid off, and the sport of Tufinuph had taken the Frontier by storm.
By 52 LS many of these games would be watched by other locals, as the competitive nature of the teams led to intriguing games, especially when non-flat terrain was used. An entrepreneur known as Kriamas would become aware of the game when visiting the Frontier, though kept hearing from aristocrats that it was a game by and for the miners, though he wanted to know more. Upon watching his first game in person, Kriamas became infatuated with the sport, and began to organize something more akin to a professional sport. He approached each town and presented his plan, to turn Tufinuph into a highly profitable sport, with actual rules, proper equipment and stadiums. While most would turn him down, a handful would agree to this, and the first Tufinuph Championship began to gather momentum.
In late 53 LS, in the town of Linnocrin, the first bracket of the Championship would be played, to a moderate turnout. As the games traveled across the Frontier, however, each subsequent game would play host to more and more individuals as word spread, until the Finals at Gentani, played on a simple dirt field, played in front of an audience in the tens of thousands. People had come from all across the Frontier to watch the end of the Championships in person, causing great strain on the supply lines to Gentani. What mattered to Kriamas, however, was that his efforts had paid off, and the sport of Tufinuph had taken the Frontier by storm.
Execution
Tufinuph is played on a large dedicated field, often with varying terrain, by two teams of twenty-five players each. The game starts with only ten on the field at the start, with the option to eliminate other players and bring on others (to a maximum of twenty) throughout the game. It is played in two forty-minute halves, coming in to about and hour-twenty in terms of total play time, though a a ten-minute half-time is place at the center.
On each end of the field there are six goals, organized into three sets of two, each providing different results. The first set is the basic goal, set halfway down each half of the field, scoring at these goals provides a single point to the team that scores. After this set is the 'Return' Goal, which when scored allows for the scoring team to bring on an additional player (to a maximum of twenty) and is set about two-thirds down each half of the field. Lastly is the 'Home' Goal which provides five points when scored, and is positioned at the extreme ends of each side of the field.
To score points a small colored sack of sand (one red, blue, green & yellow) must be launched into the goals, and only four are in play at any one time. These are thrown into the center of the field by referees when goals are scored. Such sacks can also be launched into other players, specifically at the target that is on the center of their chests. When hit in such a position the player in question is sent off of the field.
Physical clashes between players are not only permitted but encouraged, as they are equipped with armor and their paddle's have been modified to have soft padding to lessen the impact of blows. Attacks to the face, genitals or onto prone opponents are strictly forbidden.
On each end of the field there are six goals, organized into three sets of two, each providing different results. The first set is the basic goal, set halfway down each half of the field, scoring at these goals provides a single point to the team that scores. After this set is the 'Return' Goal, which when scored allows for the scoring team to bring on an additional player (to a maximum of twenty) and is set about two-thirds down each half of the field. Lastly is the 'Home' Goal which provides five points when scored, and is positioned at the extreme ends of each side of the field.
To score points a small colored sack of sand (one red, blue, green & yellow) must be launched into the goals, and only four are in play at any one time. These are thrown into the center of the field by referees when goals are scored. Such sacks can also be launched into other players, specifically at the target that is on the center of their chests. When hit in such a position the player in question is sent off of the field.
Physical clashes between players are not only permitted but encouraged, as they are equipped with armor and their paddle's have been modified to have soft padding to lessen the impact of blows. Attacks to the face, genitals or onto prone opponents are strictly forbidden.
Components and tools
Tufinuph Paddle: This simple wooden paddle has been lacquered and had the blade's edges covered in a soft material to soften blows. It varies in size depending on the position a player is in.
Player Armour: Cloth armour underneath boiled leather baring the player's target as well as team colours and symbols. Comes with a helmet and faceguard
Scoring Sack: Small sack of sand or flour made out of dyed material.
Participants
Players are split into three categories, each with different focuses when in play: Defense (CON), Offense (STR) and Interference (DEX). Defense Players tend to be the largest, stockiest or bulkiest players on a team, and are meant to prevent the other team from reaching the goals by acting as a physical barrier. Their chest target is smaller than other player's, and are equipped with a paddle that is longer but has a thinner blade. Offense Players tend to be the ones with the best upper body strength and are the primary 'shooters' of the team, the ones who are meant to make the goals. They are equipped with the standard paddle and have the standard size target. lastly is the Interference Players, who tend to be the smallest, fastest or most agile members of a team, dedicated at harassing the opposition's back line or working in tandem with the other types to create openings for goals. They tend to have a shorter paddle with a broader blade.
Primary Related Location
Important Locations
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